Hi Everyone,
This is a continuation of the surgical procedure (renovation growing pains) that’s been going on in my living room for the past 9 days. If you’ve already read Part 1, please click the link below to read Part 2. If you’re here for the first time, please continue from the top of the page.
Part 2 Begins Here
Hi Everyone,
I began this post yesterday. In fact, maybe even on Sunday. It is Tuesday evening at about 10:40. Much is going on.
First of all, I have moved out. But, only for last night and tonight.
This is how the post began last night, shortly after I arrived.
Greetings from the historic Copley Square Hotel.
The view out my bay window. Straight ahead is Trinity Church. In the middle on the far left is a snippet of the Boston Public Library. A tiny glimpse of the John Hancock Building is in the upper right corner. The elegant mid-rise building with the awnings is the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel.
How’s the room, Laurel?
Well, it’s only fair. Sorry, no. Aside from the view, it sucks. I won’t go into a lot of detail, but it’s cold, noisy machinery, no shower cap, no coffee maker, and the most horrid lighting ever.
This is how I deal with ice-cold lighting.
(We’re still not in the present.)
Ninety minutes ago, I thought confirming the demo tomorrow would be a good idea, so I texted my contractor, Robert.
Seconds later, my phone rang, and I could see that it was him.
That means it was a good thing I texted. haha
Robert said: “Oh, I texted you the other day to say they can do everything, the wainscoting and door demo on Thursday.”
Inside my head was saying
WHAT????????????????
However, because nothing bothers me (much), “I said, I didn’t receive that text.” Sure enough, Robert checked and only thought he had sent it. The bottom line is that the demo will be tomorrow and Wednesday, so I’m moving out just now for two days. However, moving is only 4/10th of a mile away…
That was last night.
Today, January 16th, I got caught up on emails, including ordering all of the crown moulding and some additional accent moulding for the kitchen.
I had a late afternoon hair appointment on Beacon Hill. Strictly speaking, my hair could’ve walked there on its own, ;] however, I adore my hairdresser, Pov, and besides, I couldn’t resist walking in the icy, slippery slush, as we had snow that turned into rain, which then became a sheet of ice on top of slippery bricks.
Boston can be brutal.
Before the hair appointment, I stopped at my place to discuss the final placement for the door downstairs with Brendan and Eugene.
Yes, the door is finally getting moved tomorrow. (Well, it’s today now!) That’s why I’m not there.
Of course, they will have to do a major number down there, protecting the rest of the building, before the work commences.
Today, they finally put up some serious plastic between the living room and kitchen.
Yes, indeed; now you can see why I wasn’t there today as they ripped out 3/4 of the wainscoting. Only the window wall and the corner near the kitchen are still up. There’s a lot of big heavy furniture blocking it.
Yes, they had to remove part of the door and window casing temporarily. Don’t worry. It will be going back.
Them’s some old walls.
Oh, Laurel, this is terrifying.
Ya think? ;]That looks like some rotting wood near the window, not to mention lead-laden dust.
Just outside my den. Pretty, ain’t it?
Snakes!
No, those aren’t bullet holes. That’s where they had some hardware to hold back what used to be the door to the butler’s pantry.
Yes, they had to leave this portion of the baseboard moulding up. This is eight inches high, and that height is fine, but I don’t want it any higher. I need to go over what the options are. I In the meantime, I’ve been researching Victorian moulding.
Some of the best sources can be found if you google Victorian Skirting Board. Skirting board = baseboard.
We could recreate this look by adding a 3-inch baseboard to the bottom, and a cap at the top. The piece I’m holding up, I’m planning on using a piece with the same profile but 3/4″ longer and turned in the other direction with the fat part on top.
Another thing I’m looking forward to changing is this panel moulding under the window. First of all, the moulding should never but up against the baseboard. The other thing is we generally run a single panel horizontally under the window. Brendan said he’s also going to build me a proper window sill. Those are nails sitting at the bottom of the window.
Shortly before I left to come back to the hotel, I noticed the two gaps where the casing had been. I went and found some pieces of old trim to put in front of them and then stuffed plastic in the remaining gap. Even with the door shut all the time, the room still gets quite dusty. I vacuum several times a week.
Okay, that’s all for today.
On Thursday, I will share some other things I don’t believe I’ve ever shared and show you why the wainscoting had to be changed.
While there are some renovation growing pains right now, in the end, it will be so much better.
It’s funny, before I moved out, this is about where I thought we’d be at the end of November. However, the guys have made good progress the last few months.
I would say we are about 2/3 of the way to completion. However, if it’s like packing, the last 10% takes 30% of the time to do.
Well, I better get some rest. Big day tomorrow!
xo,
*********************************************************
Part 2 Begins Here
Thursday January 25, 2024
Much is going on in renovation land.
Mid-day, I met with Jerry Kenneally of Kenneally Steel Works, AKA “Jerry the Steel Guy.” He’s doing the staircase railing.
Laurel, I thought your staircase was going to be made of wrought iron.
It’s one of those things I didn’t know until about 25 years ago, but what we call “wrought iron” is usually steel.
I will talk more about the staircase very soon.
He brought over a sample, and while there was an X, there was a lot of extraneous stuff to get the glass panel in. However, based on our meeting, I think I’ve come up with an idea to give me the streamlined look I want. I’ll be sharing that soon, but first I’d like to share my idea with Jerry to see if it will work out.
Above is a tweaked drawing for the final design of the staircase railing and hidden doors.
Brendan and Eugene started working on the carpentry for the under the stairs site-built doors, but did another project today.
Instead, they worked all day today on the new wainscoting, and get this: yesterday, just before the guys left for the day, I remembered something I wanted to try with the baseboard.
Please notice thy simple base moulding on the oft-posted image by the fabulous AB Kasha. This is in Paris; however, if this was in the US, the baseboard looks to be a 1 x 8 board.
I can’t do that because there’s a piece in the back that needs to be hidden.
However, there is a legit style of baseboard with a straight piece of baseboard and then a “reveal,” a deep recess between two architectural pieces, (if you don’t know that term). And then it finishes off with a square cap.
It’s one of those baseboards I know I’ve seen and loved but can’t recall when or where I saw it.
Well, the other day, a piece of a corner L moulding was lying around, and I asked Brendan to hold it on top of the decapitated old baseboard. We all agreed that it looked terrific, and there was the baseboard with the reveal that I’ve long-admired. So, Robert brought over a bunch of this moulding, this morning, and the guys put it up today!
Sorry, I know I said we were moving on from the wainscoting. I didn’t realize they would be working on it so soon!
They also put back all of the window and door casing.
Talk about renovation growing pains! My poor moulding has had major surgery. The doctors tell me it will be a lengthy recovery process with weeks spent in rehab. However, the prognosis is that it will make a full recovery and be better than ever. But, here, you can also clearly see the reveal I was just talking about. Once all the moulding is in and the repairs are made and painted, I think this is going to look amazing and also like it was always here.
I am thrilled with the new height and relieved the other is gone.
Here, we can also see the new 32″-33″ height where the wainscot cap will go, right over the seam.
I think it looks terrific and true to his promise, Brendan built me two lovely window sills. Also, the height difference between sill and wainscoting is just right. And, I adore the remodeled baseboard.
Coincidentally, I had a get-together tonight at a friend’s home on Beacon Hill. I’ve been in her home numerous times. It is always a treat going there, and she just redid her kitchen using Crown Point Cabinetry as well. I’m telling you this because the wainscoting in her home is also no more than 32″. Most of it is in the center entry hall. Plus, her ceiling is also exceedingly tall.
Above, this is so cool. The wooden moulding was scored so it would fit the curve. Of course, that will get filled in and painted.
The opposite window with the John Hancock Tower looms behind Newbury Street buildings.
In addition, all of the new plywood is up, and the old wall is filled in with 8 inches of blueboard. It’s now ready for the new panel moulding which, God willing, will be here next week. The crown moulding was supposed to be here, but it’s not.
The yellow tape labeled each piece so they knew what went where.
They can fill in the gouges left by the old wainscoting.
Switching gears…
Tomorrow, bright and early, the plumber is coming to move the pipe in the bedroom so that we can bury the soffit with two small walls in the bedroom.
There is some progress regarding the hidden door situation. However, no official word just yet.
And, finally, we had a meeting the other day with the “door guy,” Mike, from Next Day Moulding.
This is a local company with four branches, I believe. They’re also making my custom curved starter stair.
These guys are all so nice!
To save some money, Mike’s letting me source the Harmon and pivot hinges. Both are hellishly expensive, and this will save me a few dollars.
So, it’s been a super-productive week. I hope you’re all doing well, too!
xo,
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41 Responses
Our single pane windows in Marblehead were about the same size as yours and the old storm windows were steel framed and weighed a ton. Could be like a guillotine if you slipped while opening them. Could you fit some insulation in the wall under the windows upstairs and down? New custom windows would be expensive but they’d be double paned, add a lot of value, and you’d also have screens then too. I’m working with a contractor on a project in NYC and he said new custom windows are at least a year in wait time now. Something to think about when you recover from this project. Best of luck for a completion with no more surprises. Going to be great and like having a baby, you’ll forget all about this current pain.
I’m sorry that Alexandra is having a bad day. Dear Laurel, keep doing what you’re doing! Your loyal fans will stick by you come heck or high water :] I adore ALL your posts and love getting a glimpse of what your renovation process looks like. Your home was already lovely, but will spectacular in the not-too-distant future! Sending love your way <3
My, I certainly hope that bitter post was AI generated! Laurel, we loyal readers love you, your posts, and your great wisdom. Your website is always where I go first for any ideas or insights relating to what mught make things more beautiful in my home.
Discovering your blog during COVID was the best medicine for that unpleasant time, and it was the “Spoonful of sugar.” Now it’s just delightful!
Thank you.
Oh, Laurel! I’m so excited to see the new wainscoting coming in your plan. I commented a long time ago that I thought what was there was too high and would bother you if you didn’t replace it. And now you are! The new design will be the correct proportion and absolute perfection!
Laurel,
Although I have followed your blog for years, I have never commented before but feel the urge now! There has never been a part of your blog that I have not enjoyed and found useful, even when it wasn’t particularly relevant to me at the time. Your current diary postings of your own renovation is not only interesting and entertaining, but also educational and sometimes frustrating that things are taking awhile. But that is so important for anyone whose reno experience is the one-hour timeslot on TV when everything is shown complete from start to finish, without the reality of what is truly involved and the snags with bureaucracy, permitting, lead times on materials, and the time it takes for true craftsmanship.
As a designer, the hardest job is having myself as the client! We purchased a 1901 house a couple of years ago but have not lived there full-time yet to know what changes we may need to make. Although I know I don’t like some of the wall colors, I am waiting until I can have a master plan (and side-stepping my husband who doesn’t understand that we can live with it all as it is!).
Thank you so much for sharing! It is absolutely stunning, and I look forward to every new post!
Susan
I’m having trouble voicing my thoughts about the extremely special home you are creating for yourself. I’ll only say that I hope you are beyond proud of this achievement. (The kitchen makes me want to weep.)
Laurel, your renovation posts are fascinating to me. As an engineer, I understand structural elements of design like beam loading and spacing and the such, but I have never been exposed to the aesthetic design elements that you know inside and out. Your discussions on things like wainscoting heights and rosette placement and baseboard heights for Doric columns and the “rules” for crown molding are enlightening, intriguing and informational to me. I am personally loving your progress reports and often have to read them twice to fully understand the design aspects you raise and discuss so knowledgeably and straightforwardly. Thanks for always giving me the opportunity to see and learn through another lens.
Dear Laurel,
Public flogging indeed! I value all of your talent and information you share. If I miss the before renovation posts, I simply go back and reread old ones. Needless to say I learn something new each time. I think one of the most valuable lessons I have learned is the importance of communication. Just because I can envision something does not mean that someone else can read my mind. I am sure your carpenters, contractor etc have learned a lot too. I am most envious of your ability to do the in depth drawings. Keep blogging. I (and many others) love it !
Oh, yes! The simple cap with reveal on the baseboard is very very nice, just right. This phase is so exciting. Like in the kitchen, the pieces are starting to come together to reveal the vision and it is so beautiful. The partnerships you have forged with your contractor, carpenter, craftsmen, and workers is wonderful and making for a beautiful result. I agree with you and Elena that the place is blossoming with relief! And soon you will be experiencing that same relief (wink) when you can just walk around your comfortable, beautiful home.
Laurel, your home will be GORGEOUS when the remodel is completed. I wait eagerly for your emails to read about progress. I am already drooling over your kitchen. Thank you for writing about this very personal (and sometimes challenging) project. Know that you have many many readers’ support behind you!
Oops, sorry for my typos, was in bed typing with one finger and hit post before I was ready. Want to say again – love following your renovation,
Well I have to say I enjoy reading about your reno – I eagerly await each post. And you have to know Boston to understand what you are going to be dealing with when you choose to renovation an old Brahmin. Am looking forward to read about how the glass will fit into the railing.
Ooh Alexandra- why so bitter?
Hello Laurel,
I have been reading your blog for several years and enjoy it so very much! I think I commented once before that your professional training and education shines through everything you do…so unlike the home-grown but well-meaning people who call themselves “interior designers.” I learn something from every post, even those that deal with subjects that do not have current relevance for me.
Your renovation project has been fascinating and the results will be smashing. Can’t wait to see it!
Take care, and thank you!
Alexandra has a point. There are better blogs for “genetic design issues”.
Haha. Thanks, Randy.
How thoroughly did you check this unit out in advance of purchase? Crumbling plaster, wood rot, interior structural damage – this place looks like a money pit. Also, I wish you’d return to genetic design issues and not your specific apartment. This seems to have fully morphed into a blog about your renovation.
Hey Thanks Alexandra, for the public flogging. I’m sure I needed that!
I’m really looking forward to seeing how the window you featured above turns out. I hadn’t noticed it in detail before but I can sure see now that it needs work. Two-Thirds of the way through is better than one-third the way through. Good work always takes time and surprises always happen. Not that you need anyone to tell you this.
Do you ever put notes to future people inside the walls when they’re being redone? I’ve always done that. Sometimes on slips of paper, sometimes on the existing materials. Things like the date, time, weather or other details?
I’m sorry, but I have to ask. What are you doing with the radiators?
I love Pov. Went to her when I lived in the city during Covid
Hi Denise,
What a small world! Yes, she’s the best!
Biltmore in Asheville is late 19th and I was there two days ago specically to check out chair rails, as we are in a renovation project .Do you need a few badly-lit but discernible photos?
Sure, please send them, Camilla.
We stayed at the Park Plaza (now part of Hilton) once when renovating and had a similar experience with a very run down room and the wind literally blowing through the windows in the dead of winter, it was so cold we ended up putting our winter coats on top of our blankets to survive the night. Many of these old Boston hotels are in need of refurbishing. We then checked in to the Taj (the old Ritz, don’t know what it’s called now) and it was musty and dated but at least warm. The College Club on Comm Ave should be ok for occasional stays, I had my mom stay there once many years ago and it was decent.
Hi SM,
What kills me is on their sheet they hand out, they claim the place was fully renovated in 2022! No way! I mean, they may have changed the carpeting, but my bathroom sink had several cracks in it. Anyway, despite the cheap price, if I need to move out again, I’ll go somewhere else.
Sometimes I feel like homes attract the perfect person to restore them. Every time you expose some travesty, I can almost hear your apartment sigh with relief. You are healing this beautiful space! Best wishes and Happy New Year!
Hi Elena,
I feel that way too. It’s like the studs are saying. Finally, I can breathe!!! Happy New Year to you, too!
Stay positive. It will seem worst before it gets better. The kitchen is a teaser as to the finish project.
Like digging through bin to the treasure.
Geez, I’m sorry to hear about the state of your hotel room. Sure, you could bring in your own shower cap & coffee maker. But there isn’t anything you can do about the noise. Are you moving back home soon?
Hi Mary, it was only two nights. Sorry for the slow response!
Oh my! Sometimes it just seems so much worse, but it is temporary. The end result will be beautiful and (most important) it will be what you want, what is right for you. We are all learning so much from your generous sharing of your renovation. So sorry that the hotel is a disappointment. It had the potential to be a very nice interlude for you.
Are those single pane glass windows? In Boston? Brrrr. Do you have storm windows? We had big windows like that when we lived in Marblehead and even with old storms, we froze our tushies off.
Hi K,
I would love storm windows. My architect says they make them that are almost impossible to break, and then I could get rid of the prison bars. (After getting approval to do so. lol) However, with three nine-foot windows, I shudder to imagine what they might cost. I don’t think this is insulating, but I was reading about a security film that can be applied to the windows. While the window can be broken, it won’t shatter creating a means of access.
Laurel, there is nothing more defeating than the fine dust from sawed wood or plaster being removed. It gets every where like talcum. Was wondering about your walls’ insulation? Saw the lath and plaster – which I haven’t seen since my dad renovated the home I grew up in. Will you have additional insulation added before the walls are replaced? By the way the shot of Boston at night was great,
This will be just what you want! Your attention to detail requires courage to pursue and you have admirable determination. You go girl!!
Hi Laurel,
Is there a picture of the wainscotting you are using? I am deciding what to do with my dining room to make it more interesting and need some inspiration. Thank you for your blog. Stay safe
I know that feeling of having to slow down when you want to go full speed ahead! Hang in there; when you mentioned the lead infused dust, it made me think about whether or not you have a lead abatement process in place. That can be some bad stuff!
Lauren,
It’s so exciting to see this project move along and can’t wait for the finish project. With each update we learn so much. I keep going back to your kitchen cabinets. I’m trying to convince my husband we need to update our kitchen using your vendor sooner than later. Glad the holes are not from a snake however I will share with you we had a high end company install beautiful hardwood floors but after looking closely, there where tiny holes smaller than a pinhead on a few of the boards. I learned they where from powder post beetles that by all accounts should have died through the kiln process. There was no telling how many where dead or alive so our installer remove the boards and replace them.
What type of threshold if any will you use in between rooms.
Can’t wait to see the finished molding as well!
Hang in there Laurel.. we are all in it with you!
Hang in there, Laurel. It’s gonna be sublime. Just don’t have a nervous breakdown first.